World Cup 2026 Player of the Day - Day 3: Balogun Inspires Hosts USA to Historic Win
The USA kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored a first-half brace, becoming the first American to net more than once in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude in 1930.
Balogun's goals put the USA 2-0 and 3-0 up before the break, with the team ultimately scoring four goals in a World Cup game for the first time. The 24-year-old, who had a prolific season with Monaco, netting 19 times, led the charge with five shots and 10 touches in the opposition box.
Balogun's first goal came after receiving Christian Pulisic's pass, and he rounded off the first half with a stoppage-time strike after getting on the end of Malik Tillman's through-ball. The win marked a strong start for the co-hosts, who will face Australia in their next group match in Seattle on June 19.
Balogun's goals put the USA 2-0 and 3-0 up before the break, with the team ultimately scoring four goals in a World Cup game for the first time. The 24-year-old, who had a prolific season with Monaco, netting 19 times, led the charge with five shots and 10 touches in the opposition box.
Balogun's first goal came after receiving Christian Pulisic's pass, and he rounded off the first half with a stoppage-time strike after getting on the end of Malik Tillman's through-ball. The win marked a strong start for the co-hosts, who will face Australia in their next group match in Seattle on June 19.
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